Author Topic: 223 WSSM (Read 411 times)

brianmx777 · « **on:** November 15, 2003, 05:33:36 PM »

Hey i heard of this fairly new bullet, the 223 WSSM. What do you guys think of this round compared to lets say the 22-250 or the regular 223. Also for just plinking and varmint hunting (groundhogs, cayotes, crows)
do u think that the 223 WSSM is good enough. I wont need a 243 WSSM will I.

Thanks

Zachary · « **Reply #1 on:** November 16, 2003, 05:17:09 AM »

Although I like the WSM cartridges (I own 2 - one in .270WSM, the other in .300WSM), I must admit that they are essentially really no big deal. However, the new WSSMs, especially, the .223 WSSM, are even more about hype than practical advancement.

I say this because, while the .270 WSM has noticably more velocity than the regular .270, the .223 WSSM is not that much faster than a .22-250 or .220 Swift.

Then take a look at the other pros and cons. With the regular .22-250 and 220 Swift, you have a plethora of available factory ammo choices. With the WSSM, however, you are very limited.

The same holds true for rifles. While there are countless numbers of makes and models that chamber the .22-250 and .220 swift, there are only a handfull of makes and models that chamber the .223 WSSM.

Unless you want the .223 WSSM just because you really, really want it, your purposes would be better served with a "tried and true" .22-250.

Zachary

Lawdog · « **Reply #2 on:** November 16, 2003, 08:15:58 AM »

brianmx777,

I have one of the .223 WSSM's. It is faster than the .22-250 by a good 200+ fps., comparing handloads to handloads.

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Also for just plinking and varmint hunting (groundhogs, cayotes, crows) do u think that the 223 WSSM is good enough.

Way better than good enough. So far I have taken a few crows with it but it isn't my first choice for crows due to muzzle blast scarring the birds off, just as the .22-250 or .223 does. Also I have taken 7 coyotes and a number of ground squirrels but I'm still working on loads that don't tear up hides so much on coyotes. Plinking is like with any .22 centerfire, can be expensive with the edge here going to the .223 Rem. due to the availability of G.I. ammo. The .223 WSSM isn't going to be for a number of people but don't count it out as it is proving to be a very accurate cartridge that uses a shorter, stiffer action that is proving to be the more accurate action. Lawdog